FAA Radars and Their Display of Severe Weather (Thunderstorms).
Abstract
The relative performances of FAA ASR and ARSR Air Traffic Control radars are compared with the WSR-57 weather radar using simple models of time-dependent reflectivity profiles from severe thunderstorms. Results show the relatively wide vertical beams of FAA radars are helpful for early detection of new rain cells developing aloft. This better detection depends on range and is most useful within 65 n.mi. (120 km). Beyond 110 n.mi. (204 km), the FAA ARSR radars receive less returned signal and therefore underestimate storm strength more than the WSR-57, especially when the first heavy precipitation and hail have reached the ground. Because the FAA radar antennas are tilted and the beam axis is usually several degrees above the horizon, the return tends to maximize during storm development, but may decrease below severe weather indications while severe weather is occurring. be separated using high resolution FIMS. The precision of the proposed analysis method was evaluated with an authentic jet fuel sample, and it was found that the coefficient of variation of minor components averaged 6 percent while that of larger components was 2 or 3 percent. The use of high resolution FIMS together with a batch inlet system and computerized data collection and analysis system appears to be a highly promising technique for providing detailed quantitative data on the chemical composition of middle distillate fuels. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA099383
Entities
People
- J. T. Dooley
- Kenneth E. Wilk
Organizations
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration